Ward Eight Craft Cocktail Lounge

I’m a beer guy. And I’ll drink wine. But in the past year, I’ve had more cocktails than I’ve had in decades (probably ten or fifteen over twelve months). I blame Anne and Cody. They opened Ward Eight, with support from the People’s Republic of Evanston, in an effort to revitalize a formerly bleak stretch of Howard Street on the city’s southern edge.

Anne and Cody are veterans of the late, lamented bar In Fine Spirits in Andersonville, but at Ward Eight, they’ve really come into their own.

A few quotes:

queequeg's_steak: “This is a great -- and unexpected -- cocktail place. It's on Howard Ave just west of the Metra tracks.”

Ronnie Suburban: “I love, love, love this bar.”

Gypsy Boy: “I would also be remiss not to point out how warm and welcoming the place is.”

Humuloneranger: “However, as a beer enthusiast, I have to say that Ward Eight may have the most impressively curated beer list I've ever seen.”

I have to agree with this. Although it’s a relatively small beer list compared to other joints (and don’t get me started about World of Beer), it’s exceptionally well chosen. Last visit, I had a Ballast Point Sculpin – possibly my favorite IPA outside the Midwest, that isn’t from Alpine.

The food menu is similar – small, but well crafted. It’s great along with drinks, or can make a light dinner.

It’s an unusual location – it would be rare that someone discovered it while walking down the street. But it’s exactly the kind of place that deserves GNR recognition, IMHO.

I am reluctant, somehow, to think that there are places that could be nominated for GNR status that are no-brainers. But if ever there was a no-brainer, this is the poster child. There is little about Ward Eight that is not great already, from the people to the vibe to the service to the "product." I can think of no place more deserving, no place that has so readily earned this status as Ward Eight. Enthusiastic, wholehearted, fervent amen to this nomination!

Made it to Ward Eight for the first time over the weekend and came away very impressed. It's a welcoming bar with knowledgeable bar tenders and a great focus on classic cocktails. I support the nomination!

Made my second visit last night, and liked it very much again. A welcoming bar with a nice atmosphere, where talking is easy.

I'm such a neophyte about cocktails that I'm working my way through the classic menu. Sometime soon I'll ask the bartender to make something for me, as my companions said they got very nice drinks that way.

Ward Eight has become one of my favorite places to have a few drinks. Comfortable space, excellent cocktails, welcoming staff. I also happen to really enjoy their food menu. The bacon-wrapped dates (from the regular menu) are one of my favorite bites. Yes to Ward Eight for GNR!